Intrapartum epidural fixation methods: a randomised controlled trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intrapartum epidural fixation methods: a randomised controlled trial of 3 different epidural catheter securement devices
IRAS ID
124617
Contact name
Peter Odor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St. George's NHS Trust
Research summary
A number of methods are currently used to prevent movement of epidural catheters in women during labour. These usually consist of sticky dressings applied to the patient’s back. The purpose of this study is to compare how much epidural catheters move when secured with three commonly used different fixation dressings with the aim of identifying the best method of securing epidural catheters.
Women in labour who request an epidural will have the epidural catheter inserted to a standardised depth, which will be recorded. For each participant the method of catheter fixation will be varied between one of three commonly used methods. After delivery, the depth of the catheter at the skin will once again be measured to determine the degree of movement before the catheter is removed.
Data will also be collected about the comfort of each dressing, the effectiveness of pain relief and also the patient’s body mass index (this is routinely recorded in the antenatal notes and will not require any additional measurement for the purpose of the study).
The study will be conducted on the delivery suite of St. George’s Hospital, London. The researchers anticipate that data will be collected over a period of approximately two months.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0771
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion